Sustainability Lead

Keller Executive Search seeks a Sustainability Lead in Indianapolis, IN, to develop and implement sustainability strategies that align with business goals. The role involves collaborating with teams to enhance sustainability efforts, achieve certifications, and engage with the community. Candidates should have a relevant degree, extensive experience in sustainability and industrial waste management, and strong leadership skills. This position is not remote and requires on-site presence.
We are a leading industrial waste management company with over 55 years of environmental leadership. With 2,000+ employees across the United States, we provide innovative and compliant solutions to thousands of clients in diverse industries, specializing in hazardous waste management, emergency response, and technical environmental solutions.
The Role

We are seeking a dynamic Sustainability Leader to shape sustainability strategy and deliver measurable impact for customers, shareholders, communities, and the planet. This role represents a unique opportunity to join a company with sustainability embedded in its DNA while driving commercial growth and innovation.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, you will define and deliver all sustainability-related activities, working closely with the Strategic Leadership Team to inspire teams toward continuous improvement in sustainability and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership
• Formulate and implement comprehensive sustainability strategy to position the organization as an industry leader
• Establish data-driven roadmaps with well-defined KPIs ensuring collective ownership of sustainability journey
• Collaborate with our European global sustainability team on ESG reporting requirements
• Lead efforts to achieve top-tier sustainability certifications (EcoVadis, CDP)
Commercial Development
• Partner with commercial teams to create new revenue streams leveraging sustainability as key value proposition
• Identify partnership and M&A opportunities to expand sustainability offerings
• Translate sustainability metrics into compelling business narratives
• Develop sustainable revenue streams from new sustainability-driven services
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Develop comprehensive community engagement strategies fostering positive relationships and trust
• Build partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and community groups
• Lead educational initiatives about industrial waste management and environmental protection
• Oversee outreach programs addressing community needs with transparent communication
• Enhance public awareness and positive perception through surveys
Team Leadership
• Assess and build high-performing sustainability team
• Drive strategic initiatives across operations, sales, and functional departments
• Act as internal and external thought leader on sustainability topics

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Public Policy, or related field
• 10+ years in sustainability, CSR, external relations, or similar roles
• Experience in industrial waste management, hazardous waste, or environmental services
• Proven track record leading teams and driving strategic initiatives
• Deep understanding of ESG reporting, sustainability practices, and environmental regulations
• Experience with sustainability certifications (EcoVadis, CDP)
• Extensive experience in community outreach and engagement
• Ability to translate sustainability into business growth opportunities
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Management, MBA, or related discipline
• LEED, ISSP, or similar professional certifications
• Knowledge of carbon accounting methodologies and sustainability software platforms
Work Arrangement
• Primary Location: Indianapolis, Indiana headquarters
• Remote Consideration: Exceptional candidates considered with commitment to 50%+ travel/onsite presence
• Travel Requirements: Regular travel to headquarters and facilities as needed

Benefits
• Competitive salary range of $150,000 - $200,000 (based on experience level)
• Discretionary based bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401k, healthcare plan and insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:
• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:
• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.